§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether claimants who have failed to respond to the Government's Direct Payment invitation letter before 2005 will be automatically transferred to the exceptions service; and what criteria will need to be met to qualify for the exceptions service. [144113]
§ Mr. PondWe will be further contacting customers who continue to be paid by orderbook.
We have always recognised that there will be a small number of people who we cannot pay directly into an account. Our plan is to design an exceptions method of payment to properly meet the needs of customers in these circumstances. It is anticipated that it will be a cheque-based solution. Payment outlets will include Post Office branches. We are in the process of discussing the design of the exceptions method of payment with the representative bodies most directly affected.